East Side Archery Club seeks new members Published May 25, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Matthew Sutton 341st Operations Group MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Malmstrom Air Force Base has a hidden jewel located on the southwest side of the runway where bow hunters can hone their shooting skills. The Eastside Archery Club is open to current members 24 hours a day and conveniently located for archers to shoot before and after work, or at lunch. The range is maintained by EAC members, and offers excellent bow-and-arrow shooting opportunities to prepare hunters for bow season. Since most employees of Malmstrom are military members, who will only be here a short while, they should take advantage of all the incredible bow-hunting opportunities Montana has to offer. A bow hunter cannot pick up his bow a week before the season and expect to be proficient at taking large or small game. "Practice makes Perfect" should be at the top of every bow hunter's list of ethics. Benefits Unlike indoor archery ranges, with limited target range and no environmental factors, such as wind or rain, the EAC has targets set at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 yards in outdoor conditions comparable to actual Montana bow-hunting locations. You will unlikely be able to find a large archery range available with 24/7 access this close to Malmstrom. The membership fee is $15 a year per person, or $20 for an entire family per year. Membership dues cover liability insurance for the range and upkeep of the targets. Board members also volunteer to cut the grass and do periodic maintenance on the equipment. There is also some bow-tuning equipment available to good-standing members. Every member will receive a membership card with a combo to all the locks at the Club. To join the EAC, contact Tech. Sgt. Matthew Sutton at 731- 6529 or Darrel Beach at 761-5388.